Abstract

Photocatalytic ceramic membrane filter was prepared mainly from raw kaolinite clay. Ag-doped TiO2 nanoparticles (STOX) were intercalated in the ceramic membrane to modify its properties. Characterizations of the materials were carried out using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray Emission (EDX), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Diffractrometry (XRD). Ceramic membranes were formed by press method and subsequently subjected to a high temperature sintering treatment for physico-chemical stability. Ceramic membrane modules were constructed and experiments were carried out to test the remediation functionalities on polluted water using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) and Total Bacterial Count Enumeration. Experimental results showed reduction in the concentration of Cd2+, Ni2+and K+, while increased concentrations were observed for Ca2+, Na+ and Mg2+. Ceramic membranes exhibited highest flux output of 246.685 L/hr.m2 under a transmembrane pressure of 0.0196 MPa. The antimicrobial microfiltration process indicated 100% bacterial removal and 70% fungi removal in most of the samples.